Apple’s new iOS 18 is the stuff of horror movies

The list of features announced as coming to iPhones via iOS 18 is enough to wake up Steve Jobs from the grave and have his ghost roam the earth in angst, for years. Because, more and more, iOS is acting and looking like Android, as it gets more customisation features that Steve was adamant against. And iOS 18 brings a truck load of them.

But before I drive deep into that, let’s ask the most important questions – is your iPhone eligible for the update? If not, are you ready to upgrade it so you can enjoy iOS 18?

Are you ready to upgrade?

Any iPhone released before 2018 is not eligible for the iOS 18 update. In easy terms, if you own an iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, and any other older iPhone, nothing for you when the software update rolls out later in September this year.

And there is little point in buying a replacement that is eligible for just another year or two of OS updates; is there? It depends on your need. Perhaps you prefer to buy a new iPhone each year? Which does not sound like a very good idea if you are not rich. Honestly, even if you are rich….

iPhone models that will get iOS 18

Anyway, here are the iPhones that will be getting the next software update – iOS 18:

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2022)
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR

Personally, I am glad to see the iPhone X fade away into oblivion. While a number of people loved it, I had a mild dislike for it and would not consider owning one. The terrible battery life was an instant turn-off for me. Same thing goes for the XS. That model needs to die and be buried quickly.

Yes, iPhones have had a bad rap for poor battery life, but those two models were some of the worst of the bunch. Anyway, enough of that rant; let’s get back to the subject.

As with everything else, smartphones are now so costly in Nigeria. You have seen the prices, I am sure. Insane! If you want iOS 18, and it is one of the most groundbreaking versions of iOS yet, so you should, what is your upgrade path? Considering the cost of these phones now, which are you upgrading to?

iOS 18 features

Now, let’s have a look at some of those features that iOS 18 brings to the table. It is an interesting list.

Apple Intelligence – Apple’s AI is included in iOS 18, but only for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Which is a big wawu. Those phones cost an arm and a leg, even if you are buying used ones. Meanwhile, if you need an easy-to-understand explanation of artificial intelligence, watch this video:

RCS (Rich Communication Service): Finally, Apple eats humble pie and implements RCS messaging, joining Android users who can text with advanced features.

Home screen customisation: This includes the ability to hide text labels on apps on the home screen, as well as leave space between apps. Hello, Android!

Other features of iOS 18 include:

• App lock
• App hide.
• Password manager
• Game Mode
• Customised Control Center
• Call recording for iPhone
• Messages via Satellite
• Scheduled messages
• Genmoji
• Object eraser from pictures

In all, iOS 18 sounds like Apple’s greatest move towards Android-level customisation. I am half expecting Steve Jobs to break out of his grave to haunt everyone involved in making the decisions to add all these Android-like features to iOS 18. Anyone up for a horror movie?

Author: Mister Mobility

Master storyteller and founder of Mobility Nigeria, Mister Mobility, has used and reviewed hundreds of mobile phones since 2001.